A CAMPAIGN has been launched to recruit more foster carers in East Renfrewshire.

The aim is to encourage more people with all types of skills to make a positive difference to the lives of children in need of support.

Adverts will be displayed on billboards, at bus stops and across social media platforms to showcase the life-changing difference that fostering can make.

East Renfrewshire Council is asking people who might have considered fostering in the past but weren’t sure if they could offer what is needed to think about how they can help a child.

It is also reaching out to others who might be thinking about fostering for the first time.

Carers with a range of skills and those from different backgrounds are being encouraged to come forward.

The campaign focuses on the message that fostering families come in all shapes and sizes and are just as unique as the children that require a helping hand.

The council hopes to attract a range of support, including carers who could offer regular short breaks, interim carers and longer-term carers.

In East Renfrewshire, the fostering team always tries to keep brothers and sisters together where possible, which adds to the need for carers who can look after more than one child.

Councillor Katie Pragnell, East Renfrewshire's health and social care convener, said: “The impact a foster family can have on a child cannot be overstated.

“They’re not simply providing a safe space, they’re fostering a child’s personal development at one of the most crucial and sensitive times of their life.

"This not only provides joy for the child but also to the foster family.

“If you have ever thought about fostering, now is the time to find out more because we are in real need of more people to help us take care of children.

“Fostering is hugely rewarding. You are contributing to the life of an incredible youngster whose life can be changed by your nurturing support.

“We need carers from all walks of life. You can be single, LGBQT+, retired or even a young adult yourself. We are also looking for people of all ethnicities, faiths and religions.”

Anyone who would like more information should send an email to fost@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or visit https://eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/fostering.